BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. – A teenager has been arrested in connection with a deadly armed robbery at a Summerville convenience store, according to the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office.
Berkeley County Sheriff Duane Lewis announced Monday that Harrison Charles Townsend, 18, of Nexton, was taken into custody less than 24 hours after the fatal shooting during a robbery at Myers Market.
Deputies responded just before 9:30 p.m. Saturday to reports of an armed robbery in progress at Myers Market, located at 503 Myers Road, Unit A, the sheriff’s office said. The store owner called dispatch after seeing the robbery unfold on surveillance cameras.
When deputies arrived, they secured the scene and found one person dead inside the store.
The Berkeley County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as Kymeek T. Traylor, 20, of Summerville, according to investigators.
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“This was a heinous and senseless act of violence. The victim was completely compliant during the robbery,” Sheriff Lewis said in a statement. “The suspect showed a shocking disregard for human life, and this community will not tolerate such brutality. I am proud of the relentless work by our detectives to identify and arrest this individual so quickly.”
The owners of Myers Market described Trayler as a bright, kind, and spirited young man who left this world far too soon.
“Ky touched so many lives with his warmth, his humor, and the light he carried everywhere he went. Though his time with us was short, the impact he made will never be forgotten,” store owners, Alex and Meme Alkhatib, said.
Investigators credited a coordinated response between multiple sheriff’s office units and federal and state agencies for the rapid arrest. The Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office acknowledged support from Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Marshals Service and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.
The investigation remains ongoing, authorities said.
Anyone with information about the case is encouraged to contact Berkeley County detectives at 843-719-4412.
